Spinal Cord Stimulator

[nanjo]

Hello Everyone

I have been trying to figure out this posting/threading, etc. so I hope someone reads this.

Over the years I have had many, many injections in the lumbar region of my back (facet, epidurals, priformial, SI Joint, etc.) and really none of them have helped over a week or so. I went to a new doctor in a Pain Management Center in Paducah, KY and I was impressed with him and the center (the center is located in a very good hospital (Lourdes). Anyway, he thinks I really need the "spinal cord stimulator" since nothing else has helped. I have even been to a surgeon who did a diskogram and he said it came out with "soft results" which he said he wouldn't have back surgery for anything unless the pain was so unbearable that I thought I would die from it (and he is a surgeon:eek: )

So, I am now going through the process of getting a new MRI and also a psychological. My insurance won't consider any procedure like this without seeing a psychologist.

Does anyone out there have one of this little babies (spinal cord stimulator)? I would like to know how they are doing with it.

Thanks

Nanjo

[Fancylady]

Yes, I have had a Spinal Cord Stimulator and I hated it. I only know of two on these forums that ever left one in. And I have read a lot about it. I too had so much pain and four back surgeries. Usually they don't encourage a Stimulator until you have had more than one surgery. It does involue two surgeries to have one placed in you. First after much testing they put a trial one in. It is left in a period of few days and if you feel much better they place the one inside you. I waited 7 months for mine and had a good attitude that it would work for me. After the placement I had a little bleeding so they only left it in two days. I told them I thought I was feeling better only it wasn't in me long enough that I had started working at anything.

Next I was to get the second surgery for the inplant. It was so different! The thing hurt and shocked me, and throwed my leg forward. It drove me nuts. i could be talking on the phone standing, sit down and it was turned to high.

Cutting this short, they had told me they would adjust mine every so often. They come one time in a year, so right there I knew they weren't living up to what they said they would do. Idon't know what kind your talking about getting but mine cost altogether $73,000. and wasn't worth nothing. I'm not saying it won't work for you, just warning you they aren't all a miracle worker that you would want it to be. Mine felt like a electric fence charger was on me, shocking me.

My Ortho Dr. took mine out about one month ago. I was begging him to. He didn't put it in mostly thats done by Neuro doc's. The Ortho doc said It only works with some people. I wasn't one of them.

Another thing, as you have it in you awhile, they take longer and longer to charge up if they are on much. I got to the place I had to sit and charge it up two nights in a row for about 4 hours each. Now that was boring too.

All I'm telling you is if you really want one ask plenty of questions. make sure they will do follow up appointments, cause you will need them along. There is a lot of adjustments on the metronic one I had. I had the most expensive and biggest they use, so don't go by that. Mine had a 9 year before replacement and that means another surgery too. Some only last 3 to 5 years. All these things are important to find out. Good luck!
BC:)

[nanjo]

:eek: Thank you for writing me! I haven't heard anything from anyone about how they are for most people other than the info you get on the internet. The doctor I am going to says that I have tried everything so I might give this a shot as long as the insurance pays for it..

He said I was to young (56) to be on a medication pump plus I would have to travel about 1 1/2 hours one way to see him for the medication. I really don't know what to do because I have had this pain since 1999 and no one has been able to treat it. That is why I am thinking about the spinal cord stimulator.

I will ask around a lot more. Maybe some other people will give me a reply so I can evaluate.

Thanks again!

nanjo

[ryonka]

I have been in chronic pain for such a long time I can't even remember what it's like not to be in pain.

The current neurosurgeon recommended I get a spinal cord stimulator. He said my pain people would put it in for a test run & then he would surgically insert it.

I spoke to my neuropsychologist at the pain clinic about it. He said since the TENS unit did not work for me, more than likely the spinal cord stimulator wouldn't work, either. He said some people are just too sensitive/can't tolerate the electrical stimulation.

I was determined to get the stimulator so I gave the TENS one more try. I just can't do it! I even had them give me the pads that are extra thick for sensitive people & that still didn't work.

Oh, and the neuropsych said too that when it's put in temporarily, they ask you what percent is the pain decreased by. It has to be at least 50% or else they will not implant it permanently.

It's so hard to turn down something when we're all trying to feel at least a little bit better.

[suede]

Hi,
I started to post to you this morning and didn't have time, I'm happy to see though that Billie caught up with your thread as she is one that I met because of the SCS and a very dear person to my heart.
I had mine implanted last yr. after 6 yrs of living in pain that no meds would touch, I have many problems through out my spine along with other issues, the SCS implant was for the permenant damage done to my S1 nerve, I have had all the ESI Inj. I have had 2 discograms done and even had nucleoplasty, as said many meds and the list goes on.
Well the trial went pretty good as we're told with the trial it moves around so much that it's hard to really get a good idea, I did get enough relief that I truly believed I would benifit from the implant, well it was a big failure my leads keep falling and even when they weren't I could never get the coverage I needed, it darn near killed me emotionaly when it failed and I ended up having three surgeries in 4 months in both inscions and finally having it removed.
Now after more then 50,000 in bills I am having problems and much pain from scar tissue.
I have to say I also had problems when the SCS was implanted that the drs and tjhe reps refused to believe I would get these like electrical shocks that would take me to my knees in pain screaming the only way I can think to describe it is kind of what you imagine it would feel like if some one held a cattle prod to you and wouldn't stop, it even happened that I couldn't get the darn thing to shut off when this was happening and well it was H***.
I don't like being pesimistic about this but I want to be hinest, I talked to a lot of pople and did my research and can only say that onle one person was positive about it before I had mine done but I was so desperate I had to find out for myself, oh and the person that did tell me good things has since had problems and has not been getting relief from theirs.
Please continue to research and ask lots of questions and most important make sure you have a dr you trust and will be there for you when you need them and that you have reps from the company you can get hold off and count on.
Also ask to speak to others that your your dr has done implants on.
I wish you the best of luck and please keep us informed as to how it goes for you.
Linda

[Fancylady]

I think you will find that most back patients don't get out of pain. I not only had the stimulator but also I have had 6 back surgeries since 1991. They have all been serious espacilly my last one. I tend to fill up with scar tissue and it does as much damage as anything else for it grows all over my nerves and don't function right. I just reach the point have to have it taken out again. I'm a little over 1 month post op and I'm not pain free.

There is no easy answer here, you will most likely follow your heart as the rest of us do. I would like to think I will never let, them operate on me again, but when I am in severe pain I will go back to the DR. in time.
Another bad thing about a stimulator is you can't have anymore MRI's once one is put in place. That's about the first thing most Dr's want to do also.
BC:)

[DUTCH45]

First of all please remember most of the people on this board have failed back surgeries and/or procedures. My experience with the scs is very positive. My understanding of the scs is that it is only effective for nerve pain.
I still have pain in my lower back, but for all practical purposes the sharp, burning pain in my butt and the back of my thighs is gone. I had the scs implanted April 2005. I usually turn it on in the evening for a couple of hours and the residual effect lasts well into the following day. The effects of the scs when it is turned on is very positional, so I just lay down on my bed and read or watch TV. I am very happy I consented to this devise. Now if only something besides meds would help with the lower back.

[nanjo]

:o I am so thankful to see at least one positive reply. Everyone has been so negative. My main problem is in the right buttock and travels down my right leg. I hate that kind of pain...riding in a car is unbearable, sitting is unbearable. I play the piano at church and I just have to grin and bear it and then sitting through the service is terrible. If this SCS just stops that pain, I will be WONDERFUL!!!!

Thank you again for writing.

Nanjo

[DUTCH45]

Please don't get your hopes up too high. As some posters have stated their less than good results, you must be honest during the trial period and then understand this will not put you back to 0 pain. If you are currently at an 8 a realistic outcome will be a 4 on the pain scale. Many people are looking for unrealistic results and then sadly they are disappointed. That said, let me say I still spend 16 to 18 hours in bed! The pain is bad, but at least most of the time it is bearable. Thanks to the scs the 6 hours or so in the mornings after I get up I have some semblance of a life. Good luck with your trial.

[janie]

I would suggest that, after my own experience, and "seeing" that of others who post on this board (and others), that perhaps it is the "brand" of neurostimulator and/or the experience of the surgeon (doing the implant) that plays into the success/failure rate we are seeing.

Generally, I have seen less than good results from those getting medtronics implants, and this includes "after implantation" support/adjustments.

The ANS seems to get better results (no, this is not a formal study). One can always go for the trial procedure and see how it goes. You are the decision maker. If you don't realize enough of a pain/nerve symptom reduction, then it obviously isn't for you. Also, it is best at controlling symptoms of nerve pain (very good) and you may still require some level of opiod to deal with mechanical pain, etc. Going in thinking you will stop all meds, especially if you have more than one source of pain/co-existing conditions, isn't realistic.

I think it is all about expectations. I had mine for two years. I did experience great relief of nerve/sympathetic overlay pain/symptoms (from shoulders down to fingertips, both arms), but, after lead migration, found myself needing weekly/monthly adjustments to compensate for the lost lead coverage (had dual leads); this became quite frustrating, as I tended to blame myself (for having done something wrong or outside the restrictions).

But, the benefit of the SCS outweighed the hassle of needing so many adjustments. Finally, the SCS was removed due to a need for a spinal surgery. My experience with the SCS, I think was premature, because the cause of my pain/nerve symptoms were not adequately diagnosed.

I did experience the intermittent "shocking" that both fancylady and suede experienced but this developed after the leads had migrated and I developed some kind of "reaction" to the implant/leads, as I had pain/swelling at the incision site, and ipg site (up until it was removed two years later). Both "resolved" once the implant was removed, although, I still have numbness/pain/hypersensitivity at the upper incision level (3 inch scar at T2/3).

I do think that surgeon experience played into my own success/failure, although, lead migration and pain at the incision site is a possible side effect of this procedure. Anyone considering this treatment should be fully informed of possible side effects and be able to use the remote, including having a knowledge of it controls in adjusting intensity, amplitude, etc. especially if getting help/adjustments from the doc isn't convenient.

Here is a really good site (ANS) that has information about treating pain/nerve symptoms, and an heirarchy of treatment options from less aggressive to very aggressive treatment modalities:
http://www.ans-medical.com/patient/treatmentoptions/treatmentsteps.cfm

http://www.ans-medical.com/patient/basicsofscs/index.cfm

I personally did not find that there was any relationship from what a TENS unit could do or its affect on my symptoms, to what the SCS did.

I am not sure that I would discourage anyone from entertaining neuromodulation because they do not find benefit with a TENS unit.

The TENS unit is only getting at sensory nerves through skin/muscles, etc. Neuromodulation targets the nerve fibres directly and replaces the pain with a different sensation, although, admittedly a much more invasive procedure.

The "issue" is whether this "new" sensation is more tolerable than severe pain/nerve symptoms...

Best of luck to all...

[Harryinny]

I was offered this implant and was set to get it done. 3 days before the trial I told them NO in no uncertain terms. I went to a neuro for a second opinion and he said that theres too many negatives involved. #1, the trial leads are just Thin tiny wires. They are really no indicator of what this thing will do for you. #2, The risk of the paddles they end up useing moveing(making the thing not work at all) are very common. This means yet another surgery and another, to keep placeing them. If you at all active, its more than likely they will move. #3, If you will ever require an MRI, forget it, you wont be getting one with this in you. #4, They do need replaceing so theres yet another surgery(and more scar tissue). #5 Alot of the security scanners at stores will SHOCK you beyond belief when walking out of the store.

Now as for the Pain pump and your age, Thats Bullox, Yes its and Implant, It has a few risks, But FAR less than the DCS does. For one, theres a FAR greater rate of getting relief from a pain pump, because the medication is delivered into the spinal canal. The medications used(depending what works best from trial and error) is So much less than Oral meds, it doesnt even register. But its someplace in the 1/300th% of what a person would be taking orally. Im 41(in November) And the pain pump is the direction i am going, Mainly because of the major risks involved with the DCS.

This doctor says hes concerned about not wanting to do surgery on you, but The implant hes pushing(and believe me they push them, becsuse thats how PM places make money is from pushing the expensive procedures, they have told me this straight to my face).Why would he push this so hard then?

See more doctors, get second and even 3rd opinions if needed, and Ask OTHER doctors about the Pain pump. A Neuro would be a good start, because they also do them. Believe me, this is Mot the magic bullet they make it out to be. An even bigger risk is You are at greater risk of Heart failure If exposed to a good amount of Microwaves, or Electro magnetic emission, EMI, that could even be something like a transformer in your neighborhood getting hit by lightning and emitting the charge.

So go out and get those opinions, Better yet, for the pain your haveing, Please give the med Lyrica a try, It does wonders for the kind of pain your haveing.

Harry

PS, the reason they make you see a Head doctor before this procedure is because More people than not have this implant removed, costing the Insurance companies even more money. If the doctor says your mentally ready to have it, they will then say OK and approve it. But boy watch out if you do have it removed, getting something else approved will be a nightmare from then on.

[suede]

Nanjo, I wish you the best of luck with the trial and the implant if you chose to have it done.
However I know you haven't gotten very many replies here but what you have gotten is pretty much basic to all that I got in many more replies and research I did before having mine.
I have to say I was so deperate to get relief I had pretty much made up my mind to give it a try no matter what.
Every person is different and I'm happy to see the good reply you got and happier that it is working so well for that person.
I believe that there is still way to little known about the spine and such to know if this will work for one without giving it a try, if there was more known then why after 7 yrs am I still without a full DX and many more that I know of on this board and others.
I'm sorry that you have gotten so many neg. replies I almost didn't post to begin with because I didn't want to be so negative but after much though I wanted to be honest, I do know for a fact that there is no way that the drs and reps can tell you everything you want and need to know I doubt they would if they could but unless they have had the implant done and are honest about it there is no way they can answer all your questions.
I know I had an awesome rep that did everything in his power to help me he even got his co. to agree to give me new and better leads to have implanted because he felt so bad for me and even told me himself that he couldn't answer my questions as honestly as he would like and that without having the implant done on oneself no one can.
You have no idea how much I hope that this gives you the relief you so need and deserve I only hope that you have better sense then I and take all comments to heart, as said make sure you have a dr that you can trust to be with you through this and there for you afterwards and make sure you go with a co. that the reps will follow through and be there for you if you should need them.
Please I wish you the best and let us know how it goes.
Linda

[Don Henry]

Hi Nanjo,

I happened on a call in show on TV a few years back that featured Canada's "BACK DOCTOR" this Dr. Hamilton Hall. I asked him about SCS he told that only a small portion of us are good candidates for them (I believe he said about 4%). Of this small portion of us only a blessed few would receive any kind of relief(maybe 20%). I may have those percentages reversed. From reading this post it seems he wasn't far wrong.

Having said that hopefully you are in that part of our population who will benefit from a SCS. I will have good thoughts for you that you are.

Cheers.

[Harryinny]

I really hope he does find the relief he needs. Im just a bit upset that they would rule out any other option includeing the pump, saying hes too young. Thats leading me to believe he should for his own benefit get a second and yet a third opinion before implanting anything, includeing the pump into his body. Ive had 3 Thorasic Failed surgeries, Failed cervical, Scoliosis in lumbar with herniations in 4 levels, Spinal cord injury, DDD, and Failed back syndrome. If it were me, I would Goto as many doctors as possible. I was told face to face by the pain doctor i see now, that they are in the practice to make money and do procedures. They said If i didnt want Any procedures done(helpful or not) then why am i there. This is his exact words. Remember, In this country(unlike europe where they have had Replacement discs for years and other options the FDA wont approve because of the loss of grant money) Its ALL about the almighty dollar in americas healthcare system. Explore ALl your options, dont become a dead end like me by chooseing and doing the first thing they throw at you.

I wish him all the luck in the world, and dont want to sound negative, But after all ive been through, Im not going to lie to anyone and give them false hope. Because false hope does nothing but make Depression that much worse when your dreams of any decrease in pain fails.

Harry

[suede]

Harryinny, You sure are right about getting something else approved after having the removal, my ins. com didn't require me to do the physc. evaluation though.
I didn't see earlier where nanjo was only 56 because I was only 51 when I had the SCS iplant and have since spoke of the pump and have not been told I was to young, I have since gone on methadone and other meds that have been helping and don't want to go to the pump unless I have to.
Linda

[janie]

is right to have the opinion that he does have regarding both the SCS and the pump.

It should not be age that determines appropriate medical treatment.

The neuromodulation IS pushed by pain docs, less by neurosurgeons who also do these implants.

As I alluded to in my post...I believe I was pushed that direction [the SCS] as the doc felt it was the only way to manage RSD type symptoms, even though, I would not consider that I had hit any level of opiod daily that could be considered "aggressive" pain management.

It was also painted as an "easy" procedure that could be "easily" reversed (explantation) should it lose its effectiveness, or should complications/side effects occur. Good luck with that...it took me two years of "begging" to get it out once I had lead migration, shocking, and swelling/pain at the incision/IPG sites. Also, insurance won't pay, just cause the patient changes their mind; there has to be some kind of justification, and the doctor will have to make that happen.

Although I did not have the pyschological screening prior to the implantation (pain doc didn't feel it was necessary), I was subjected to "it" once the implant began failing in delivering stimulation, as well as the other "unlikely" side effects. The doc was sure it was me that was the problem and not the unit. Xrays of the cspine would eventually show how much the leads had migrated. As to "proving" the other problems, removing it removed most of those naughty side effects (although I do have residual pain/hypersensitivity at the upper incision site, supposedly due to the formation of a neuroma).

My situation is, though, a bit more complicated, as, again, I don't think I had the appropriate diagnosis and the depth of my pathologies clearly understood.

And, there is a certain "irony" to the SCS, as it supposedly offers freedom from pain/nerve symptoms, which should make one want to be more active; but doing so (activity is very subjective) may lead one with lead migration and the requirement of lead revision surgery. If the doc hasn't done the implantation perfectly, again, you may find lead pulling/migration with simple twisting, or raising arms above your head. It is something to think about.

Lastly, there should be no age stigma associated with the need for the pump. If there is more widespread pain, or too many areas requiring stimulation (meaning multiple leads/ipgs) the pump just may be the better treatment option.

Sometimes, appropriate pain management requires docs to think outside the box, and consider the patient and their lifestyle/quality of life goals.

It seems many docs look at "younger" people, even those with considerable pain generating conditions, and think they should grin and bear it, or have the ability to tough it out. I have been on the side of those considered "too young" to have fill in the blank and find it really unfair.

The years keep flying by, and nothing changes.

Very unfortunate.

[DUTCH45]

Seems like I am definely in the minority as far as the SCS is concerned,BUT REMEMBER MOST SUCCESSFUL RECIPIENTS OF AN SCS ARE NO LONGER POSTING ON THIS BOARD. I know of several men and women who have had Medtronics SCS, myself included, implanted and have been able to go on with there lifes. One of the recipients is an auto mechanic! I would like to repeat the trial is very important, be honest with yourself if it doesn't work the implant will not work either!

Don't forget that the skill of your doctor, whether pain management, nerou, ortho, or whatever is a factor concerning lead migration. It is my understanding nerousurgeons are required to do the cut down to use the paddles on the leads and not all of us require the paddles for our individual pain problems. As you all know, no two back pain patients are the same.

Certainly do the trial, but if it does NOT give you at least 50% reduction in your pain do Not go forward with the implant. There are other medically sound directions to consider if the SCS does not work for you. Again good luck and keep and open mind.

[hermit]

hi, i had a trial on neurostim an didnt like it, even if it it had helped my pain,... i wouldnt like one, feels to creepy, i dont see how anyone stands those things. but i have chated with people in yahoo chats "back room:1" that likes them, an are real pleased with results, go's to show everyones different, lol.
i just had trial on morphine pump an was DELIGHTED with results, so my pain doc gonna implant pump in a few days, surgery on the 25th, ... i cant hardly wait, ill let you all know how it go's. and good luck to all you also.
sincerly , hermit

[debr]

Hi everyone ,i too am about to get one of these inplanted for pn pain , i have small nerve fiber pain,doc tell me if i have this done it would stop the pn from speading .
debr

[claudia029]

I have severe neuropathy along with arachnoiditis and 'clumping of the nerve roots at L3-L4'.

I have an excellent Neurosurgeon who repaired my 1st ACDF at C6-C7 on 8/2/05 which another NS did with donor bone and did not put a plate in to hold it. My new NS did my 2nd ACDF at C5-C6 and plated C5-C7 with 6 screws on 11/29/05.

On 1/18/06 was scheduled for a PLIF at L4-S1; however, when NS got in there I was autofused at L5-S1 so he just fused L4-L5.

Last Friday, I had a Cervical ESI at C7-T1 (herniated disk, but not pressing on nerve (2nd ESI) and a Lumbar ESI at L3-L4(1st one was at L4-L5) in an attempt to ease the nerve pain as we leave 10/29 for a 7 day cruise.

NS spoke with me before My ESIs' and informed me I was now inoperable in the lumbar area and only relief would be a Spinal Cord Stimulator. I asked him for an RX for Avinza as my husband took it before his 360 lumbar fusion in 11/03. He agreed to give me 10 to try. Didn't touch the nerve pain; in fact, even with taking phenegran by the afternoon I was 'queasy'.

After searching the net, my NS has agreed to give me Lidocaine Patches and Tramadol to get me through our cruise; however, his office did call today to say they are sending the information on the SCS and I will have a physcological exam for SCS and begin the trial of the SCS.

YES! I'm petrified of having something implanted in me and several people have questioned me 'why not have a pain pump implanted...much easier?'. Well seems as tho if Avinza (morphine based med) doesn't touch the nerve pain how would a pain pump help with neuropathy???

Just my thoughts.

Hugs To Ya!
Claudia:)

BTW, My NS is Chief of Staff of the hospital I go to

[illusion129]

Hey Nanjo. I am sorry to say that I have no experience other than what I've heard about the spinal cord stimulator. From what I've read I would recommend NOT having it placed. But then again, it all depends upon the individual and the type of pain involved.

Anyway, I just wanted to say hello and ask you a question. Do you live in Kentucky? If so, what part? I live in Northeastern Kentucky (a little town called Maysville) and I just wanted to see if maybe we were "neighbors".

I hope you start feeling better and that you'll find relief is something soon. I know how bad chronic pain can be and how it has a wear and tear effect on not only your body but also your mind. So, keep us posted!

Take care. - RH

[Peirino 25]

Hi my name is Peirino... A little bit about me before I talk about my Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS). I'm 33 years old, I formerly played professional baseball, was an adrenalin junkie who snowboarded, hunted, rode motorcycles, worked out seven days a week, and loved anything that got me out of the house. I've been a Deputy Sheriff for almost ten years now and loved being that guy who was always the first one to go through the door to get the bad guy.

On June 14th 2008, well on duty, I was involved in a foot pursuit where I jumped off an eight foot high wall while chasing a suspect. I landed on my feet (didn't fall to the ground or anything) but compressed my spine resulting in breaking my S-1 & L-5. I worked for another five months before workman’s comp finally approved the surgery after sending me to five different Dr's.

While I was still working, I was constantly in tremendous pain in my lower back and had constant burning in my left butt cheek and down my left leg. I refused to take the pain medication that every Dr. seemed to want to shove down my throat. It wasn't until I finally went to a Dr. of my choice, who sat down and explained to my wife and I the severity of my injury. Not only did I break my back, but the burning was from my sciatic nerve having been crushed from the original injury.

In Jan. of 2009 I underwent a spinal fusion of the S-1,L-5,& L-4 with a bone graph, two rods, a cross bar, and four screws. Since my original surgery, my Wife and I had our first child and I have not returned to work yet.

The last nine months have been a freaking nightmare for me and my family. Not only did I have to try and recover from the surgery, but I was still in major pain from the burning that I still had in my left butt cheek and down my leg. My left two little toes, along the side of my foot and up my Achilles was completely numb. It seemed everything the Dr's tried came with no success.

I was at the point where I was taking on a daily basis...Percasets, Dilodid, Vicodin, Flexerall, Oxycotin, Tylenol with Codeine, Ambein, Florazapan,Topamax, Nurotin, Lyrica, Etc. and had to make several trips to the Emergency room to be doped up because of the pain that I was in.

I tell you this, because the pain was so bad, I couldn't get through the day without popping so many damn pills, I just sat around the house drooling on myself. No matter how many pills I took, it wouldn't get rid of the pain, just put me in a state of mind where I didn't care about a darn thing.

I wasn't even able to watch my daughter by myself because I was so doped up all the time that I would just pass out for hours at a time during the middle of the day. I couldn't even pick her up out of her crib because of the pain and I was in and that I was afraid I would drop her or something bad would happen due to all the medication I was taking.

Seven days ago I finally had a Trial Spinal Cord Stimulator implanted into my back. It definently takes some getting used to. It feels like one of those old arcade games that you would put a quarter in and hold the handles and see how long you could hold on while the electricity continues to get stronger. Now with the trial SCS, you can adjust the intensity and the frequency yourself with the controller that your attached to.

During the day time, I turn the intensity up a lot higher so I wouldn't feel any of the burning and turn it down to almost a humming sensation at night to try and get some sleep. I still can't sleep through the night, but I'm definently getting more sleep. But most of all...I'M NOT TAKING AS MANY OF THOSE DAMN PAIN PILLS that the Dr's push on you.

Tomarrow I having the Trial SCS removed. Then I'm going to have to wait a couple of weeks before they implant the permanent SCS. I don't know if I'll ever be able to go back to the type of lifestyle that I was accustomed to before the injury, but if the SCS relieves enough of the pain that I won't have to take any more of those damn pain pills I'm all for it.

I'll continue to post more as I go along, but if you have any questions or would like to talk about anything, fell free to e-mail me at (rpm2525@hotmail.com) Hope this helps anyone who might be looking for some more info on the SCS. Take Care and Best of Luck...God Bless.

[Mark N]

Perinio, Sorry you were injured while serving as a police officer. The job is tough enough without having a permanent injury while in the line of duty. Even though your surgery was back in January you may find there is much less pain as time goes by. I know with both of my fusions it wasn't until about 18 months that I was fully recovered. I hope the SCS gets you through the pain until you body can heal completely. Even if you have pain after a full recovery the SCS may work well enough that you can function well enough to work once again. Good Luck with the SCS.

[Maggie]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I have been pondering the SCS for a long time but still don't know what to do. I hesitate to have something else implanted in my spine. I had the morphine pump for 5 years and the worst problem was getting in touch with the doctor when I needed help. I still have a small cyst in my spinal cord from where the tip of the catheter was placed.

I expect someday I may have to have the scs without question but as for now my medication routine is working and I can function at a reasonable level.
Maggie

[Rrae]

I'm new here but I've been reading alot of your posts and see that there are alot of' heartfelt folks on here. It's late and i'm too tired to say much about me other than I'm
at the end of my rope with this chronic neuropathy in both legs that has taken the past
5 years out of my life. Just wanted to get my foot in the door and hopefully get a reply to let me know how to introduce myself and to say that my heart truely goes out to all who are suffering. I'll get back on here tomorrow with a fresh brain...
I really need help guys...and i can see that this is the place to be
Thanks

Rae

[Rrae]

Me again. I started a new thread today regarding SCS, so hopefully will get responses.
Just wondering if Peirino went ahead and got his final implant and if so, how are you doing?